Israel rejects US-backed Gaza peace plan as Netanyahu demands Hamas disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a US-backed 15-point peace proposal for Gaza, declaring that military forces will not pull out of the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. In televised statements to his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" recently accepted by Hamas, stressing that troops will continue neutralizing security threats.

The refusal comes despite an informal pause in Israeli military strikes prompted by American diplomatic pressure. Netanyahu's decision highlights escalating friction with US President Donald Trump, who recently touted a diplomatic breakthrough in negotiations. Political analysts note Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressure from right-wing ministers opposing territorial concessions as he prepares for an October national election. Meanwhile, regional instability persisted following separate reports of Houthi strikes targeting Yemen's Mokha port and a Saudi Aramco site.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald